Events for May 2016
Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce
May 3    Decatur Jaycees Monthly Meeting
The Decatur Jaycees hold their monthly business meeting the first Tuesday of each month, typically at the Chamber.

For more information about the Jaycees, the work they do and how to become a member, visit their website at http://www.decaturjaycees.com/
Date: May 3, 2016
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Website: http://www.decaturjaycees.com/
Location: Meetings are held at the Chamber. The February and March 2016 meetings will be held at the downtown branch of Renasant Bank (211 Lee Street).
Contact: Jordan Latapie
EMail: jbrown@stovallmarks.com
Date/Time Details: The second Tuesday of each month at noon.
May 4    Business Network International social, presented by the E-Center
The Decatur-Morgan County E-Center hosts the Morgan County chapter of Business Network International each Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m.

BNI provides a positive, supportive, and structured environment for the development and exchange of quality business referrals. It does so by helping you build personal relationships with dozens of other qualified business professionals. For more information, click here.
Date: May 4, 2016
Time: 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Location:
The Decaur-Morgan County Entrepreneurial Center
1629 4th Ave.
Decatur   
Contact: Lisa Smith
EMail: lisa@lightwiresolutions.net
Date/Time Details: Each Wednesday at 7:30 a.m.
Fees/Admission: Free for members
May 4    2016 "Asthma Blues" at the Decatur Public Library
The Decatur Public Library presents the music-based educational bridge to improve asthma care "Asthma Blues," featuring Certified Respiratory Therapist Al Keith Wednesday, May 4, at 4 p.m. in the Community Room at the Decatur Public Library.

The event is in observance of World Asthma Day (May 3) and Asthma Awareness Month (May). Everyone is invited to this free all-ages program.
Date: May 4, 2016
Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Website: http://www.decatur.lib.al.us
Location: Decatur Public Library        
Date/Time Details: Wednesday, May 4
4 p.m.
Fees/Admission: Free
May 6    Leadercast North Alabama
Leadercast North Alabama is the world’s largest one-day leadership conference, broadcast LIVE from Atlanta and simulcast to hundreds of locations around the world on May 6th, 2016.  This year marks the sixteenth year of the annual leadership conference and the 5th year that The Decatur Morgan County Entrepreneurial Center will be at hosting the event at Decatur Baptist Church.

The theme of this year’s conference is, “Architects of Tomorrow,” focusing on visionary leaders who imagine and build a future that is rich in innovation, collaboration and full of hope. A future where problems are solved, questions are answered, and confusion gives way to clarity.

The conference will equip attendees to create their own visionary path.  Key speakers – visionaries in their own fields – will inspire the more than 400 people who attend locally, and the more than 100,000 people who will attend the event live in Atlanta or at hundreds of other simulcast locations in more than 20 countries.  Among the keynote speakers are:  
 
  • Kat Cole—Group President, FOCUS Brands, Inc. (including Cinnabon®, Moe’s Southwest Grill®, Auntie Anne’s®, and more)
  • Steve Wozniak—Co-founder of Apple, Inc.,
  • Henry Cloud—Acclaimed Leadership Expert, Clinical Psychologist, and Best-Selling Author
  • Nick Saban—Head Football Coach, The University of Alabama
  • Andy Stanley—Leadership Author and Communicator
  • James Brown—Network Broadcaster, CBS Sports and News
  • Rorke Denver—Navy SEAL Commander and Author
  • Chris Barez-Brown—Author and Creativity Guru
  • Tripp Crosby—Host of Leadercast, Comedian and Director

For years, Leadercast North Alabama has brought people together and equipped them to become better leaders, managers, community members, and employees. Here is what people have to say about Leadercast:
 
“With a constantly impressive lineup of speakers and the on-target themes year-over-year (and at such a value), I consider Leadercast a ‘can’t miss’ event,” Kalpana Ommen, Vice President Talent Acquisition, Cox Enterprises & 9-year Leadercast attendee.
 
“The whole day was interesting from start to finish.  It was valuable to hear from leaders from various fields, as each had different perspectives and experiences.  I was able to learn from leaders whom I otherwise would not have known of because I was unfamiliar with their work,” Katie Booth, Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
 
“For me, it’s a re-charge.  For one day I can plug-in, focus on me - my impact, obstacles, and growth opportunities.  I love that it is not only a lecture but it’s an immersive experience that keeps me engaged…by a multi-sensory approach,” Patrick Williams, Marketing Director, SunTrust Bank.
 
Date: May 6, 2016
Time: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Website: http://www.leadercastnorthalabama.com
Location: Decatur Baptist Church
Contact: Donna Whitten (256) 686-2999
EMail: info@alabamaincubator.com
Date/Time Details: May 6th 7am - 4pm
Fees/Admission: Early Bird Pricing $50.00 per ticket / After April 25th $75.00 per ticket
May 6    Relay for Life
The American Cancer Society presents the annual Relay For Life of Decatur event Friday, May 6, 6 p.m. to midnight at Ingalls Harbor (701 Market Street NW).
Date: May 6, 2016
Time: 6:00 PM - 11:55 PM
Website: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=73519
Location: Ingalls Harbor
Decatur
Contact: Cherry Hammonds
EMail: cherry.hammonds@cancer.org
Date/Time Details: Friday, May 6
6 p.m. - Midnight
Fees/Admission: For information about fees and donating, click here
May 7    Junior League of Morgan County Derby Party

It's a safe bet that you won't want to miss our party on Race Day!  Break out your hats and bow ties and join the The Junior League Morgan County in celebrating the 142nd Running of The Kentucky Derby! It'll be a fun afternoon filled with Race Raffles, Heavy hors d'oeuvres, Horse "Races", a  Mint Julep Bar, Wine Auction, Best in Show Hat Contest, and much more! We'll have 2 large HD screens and a lively crowd to cheer on your favorite horse! 

Proceeds from this event will benefit The Decatur Morgan Hospital Mammography Center & Parents And Children Together (PACT)

To buy tickets, click here

Date: May 7, 2016
Time: 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Decatur Country Club
2501 Country Club Road
EMail: jlmorgancounty@gmail.com
Date/Time Details: May 7
3:30-7 p.m.
Fees/Admission: $30 each
May 9    North Alabama Regional "Tiger Trek," feat. Gus Malzahn
The North Alabama Regional "Tiger Trek" will feature a report on Auburn and the Athletic Department. Speakers will include Auburn Football head coach Gus Malzahn, Auburn Alumni Association President Jack Fite ’85, Vice President for Alumni Affairs & Executive Director of the Auburn Alumni Association Gretchen VanValkenburg ’86 with an exclusive appearance by Aubie. 

Proceeds benefit Auburn student scholarships from the Huntsville-Madison County and North Alabama Auburn Clubs.

To purchase tickets, click here. Deadline for reservations is April 30.
Date: May 9, 2016
Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Davidson Center for Space Exploration
1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville
Date/Time Details: Monday, May 9
Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Fees/Admission: $40 for adults, $20 ages 12 and under.
May 11    Business Network International social, presented by the E-Center
The Decatur-Morgan County E-Center hosts the Morgan County chapter of Business Network International each Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m.

BNI provides a positive, supportive, and structured environment for the development and exchange of quality business referrals. It does so by helping you build personal relationships with dozens of other qualified business professionals. For more information, click here.
Date: May 11, 2016
Time: 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Location:
The Decaur-Morgan County Entrepreneurial Center
1629 4th Ave.
Decatur   
Contact: Lisa Smith
EMail: lisa@lightwiresolutions.net
Date/Time Details: Each Wednesday at 7:30 a.m.
Fees/Admission: Free for members
May 14    Decatur Morgan Hospital Foundation Dragon Boat Race & Festival
The festival made its debut in Decatur in 2012 with 53 teams competing for medals and bragging rights. Last year?s event attracted more than 70 teams and an estimated 7,000 came out as either a participant or a spectator. The day-long event takes place in the Point Mallard Aquatic Center, and along with action in the water, the waterpark will be filled with tailgate tents, music, food, and other family fun.
Date: May 14, 2016
Website: http://www.decaturdragonboat.org
Location: Point Mallard Aquatic Center
Contact: Decatur Morgan Hospital Foundation 256-973-2187
EMail: larry.payne@dmhnet.org
Date/Time Details: Saturday, May 14, 2016 8:30 a.m. Opening Ceremonies 9:00 a.m. First Race
Fees/Admission: Donations Accepted
May 18    Business Network International social, presented by the E-Center
The Decatur-Morgan County E-Center hosts the Morgan County chapter of Business Network International each Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m.

BNI provides a positive, supportive, and structured environment for the development and exchange of quality business referrals. It does so by helping you build personal relationships with dozens of other qualified business professionals. For more information, click here.
Date: May 18, 2016
Time: 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Location:
The Decaur-Morgan County Entrepreneurial Center
1629 4th Ave.
Decatur   
Contact: Lisa Smith
EMail: lisa@lightwiresolutions.net
Date/Time Details: Each Wednesday at 7:30 a.m.
Fees/Admission: Free for members
May 19    2016 Small Business Awards Celebration

The contributions of small business in Morgan County will be recognized at the Chamber's annual Small Business Awards Celebration. Small businesses, which make up nearly 80 percent of our Chamber's membership, are vital to job growth and account for more than half of jobs created in the U.S. since 2010. The luncheon event will feature a keynote address from Jeremy Arthur, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (CCAA) in Montgomery. He is the former president of the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce, a native of Decatur, and a 1995 graduate of Decatur High School.

Chamber members may submit nominations for our three awards to be presented -- Raymon Baker-John Cook-Ralph Jones Small Business Person of the Year, Lynn C. Fowler Non-Profit Professional of the Year and the Arthur Orr Young Professional of the Year -- online by clicking on each award name above. The deadline for nominations is Monday, May 2.

To RSVP, click here

Date: May 19, 2016
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location:

Doubletree by Hilton Decatur Riverfront
 

Contact: Crystal Brown
EMail: crystal@dcc.org
Date/Time Details: Thursday, May 19
11:30 a.m.
Fees/Admission: $30 for members; $40 for non-members
May 19    Young Professionals Networking Social

The Chamber's popular Young Professionals (YP) networking social is set for Thursday, May 19, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Mellow Mushroom in downtown Decatur. Presented by Red Sage Communications, the gathering invites under-40 professionals from across Morgan County to connect and network with their peers in the area. 

To RSVP, click here
 

Date: May 19, 2016
Time: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Location: Mellow Mushroom
202 Moulton Street E
 
Contact: Grant Thompson
EMail: grant@dcc.org
Date/Time Details: Thursday, May 19
4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
May 24    Coffee & Cards
The Chamber's popular Coffee & Cards networking series is set for May 24, 7:30 - 9 a.m., at the 6th Ave. office of the Decatur-Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Come enjoy refreshments and fellowship while connecting with other Chamber members in the community. And while you're there, learn about all their is to do in our area as the summer kicks off. 
Date: May 24, 2016
Time: 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Location: The Decatur Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau
719 6th Ave,
Contact: Louise Brown
EMail: louise@dcc.org
Date/Time Details: Tuesday, May 24
7:30 - 9 a.m.
Fees/Admission: Free for members
May 24    YP Leadership Luncheon

As a new program for young professionals, the Chamber of Commerce is launching the YP Leadership Luncheon series as an opportunity for members of the under-40 crowd to both connect and socialize while developing their career and leadership skills. This one-hour program coincides with the traditional lunch hour where guests can enjoy lunch and glean something to apply to their careers and community. 

Ashley Ashwander, owner of The Paper Chase, will be our featured speaker for thi

   
   

inaugural event. She opened her store in 2007, a Bank Street location specializing in paper goods, invitations, announcements, stationary, monogramming, in-house printing and wedding consultations. As an active community volunteer, she has been involved with various groups, including the Junior League of Morgan County, Hospice of the Valley, Decatur Cotillion Club, and recently served as president of the Downtown Decatur Merchants and Business Association.  In 2015, Ashwander was honored with the Arthur Orr Young Professional of the Year award. 
 
Lunch for this inaugural event is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Decatur

Date: May 24, 2016
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: FIte Building Co. Boardroom at The Chamber
Contact: Grant Thompson
EMail: grant@dcc.org
Date/Time Details: Tuesday, May 24
12-1 p.m.
May 25    Business Network International social, presented by the E-Center
The Decatur-Morgan County E-Center hosts the Morgan County chapter of Business Network International each Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m.

BNI provides a positive, supportive, and structured environment for the development and exchange of quality business referrals. It does so by helping you build personal relationships with dozens of other qualified business professionals. For more information, click here.
Date: May 25, 2016
Time: 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Location:
The Decaur-Morgan County Entrepreneurial Center
1629 4th Ave.
Decatur   
Contact: Lisa Smith
EMail: lisa@lightwiresolutions.net
Date/Time Details: Each Wednesday at 7:30 a.m.
Fees/Admission: Free for members
May 26    2016 Political Training Institute
The Chamber's Political Training Institute is an opportunity for those interested in running for local offices to learn from subject matter experts on the ins and outs of standing for election. 

The two-hour event will feature presentations on government partnerships by State Sen. Arthur Orr, legal requirements for running a campaign by Morgan County Probate Judge Greg Cain, media and campaigns by David Dirscoll of The Driscoll Group, and the "realities" of running for office by former State Sen. Tom Butler.

The event is free and open to those interested in or those who have already declared for public office.        

To register, click here
Date: May 26, 2016
Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Fite Building Company Board Room at the Decatur-Morgan Chamber of Commerce
Contact: Louise Brown
EMail: louise@dcc.org
Date/Time Details: Thursday, May 26
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Fees/Admission: Free